The top high school basketball teams of the country will center stage at the 2019 Chooks-to-Go SM NBTC National Finals which is set to kick off on Monday, March 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Now on its 12th year, the Philippines' premier grassroots program plans to make the annual event bigger than before.
We thank all of our sponsors in making this year's National Finals one of the grandest events in Philippine sport," said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano, as the event is supported by Chooks-to-Go, Darlington-Exped Socks, EPSON, Huawei, Freego, Purefoods, Gatorade, Go for Gold, SM, and Molten, and presented by 5 Plus and Lighthouse Events.
The 32 teams are headlined by UAAP Season 81 champions NU Bullpups and NCAA Season 94 champions Mapua Red Robins.
"Just to be part of the NBTC is a big honor for us. We've been part of the top 32," said NU head coach Goldwin Monteverde as the Bullpups are set to defend their crown after winning the national championship a year ago. "It's very different from the UAAP. Of course, we'll face whatever challenges that will come our way."
NBTC Cebu champion South Western University and MMBL title-holders San Beda University will also participate alongside UAAP and NCAA runners-up Ateneo Blue Eaglets and LSGH Junior Blazers. The tournament will also feature the best teams that competed in the local city qualifiers and regional qualifiers.
This year, there will be six international teams joining bannered by the return of high flyer Jalen Green of Fil-Am USA. Green, who is currently on top of the 2020 class in the United States, showcased his athleticism and all-around skills in last year's tournament. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Vancouver, and Toronto will also be seeing action.
Another noteworthy addition in this year's event is the inclusion of former Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace, who will speak at the coaches' convention that will coincide with the national finals as well as coach in the all-star game.
As the competition gets even higher this year, the program's core of developing young talent has not wavered.
"Seeing the comprehensive grassroots program, it's really overwhelming. But I sensed the passion of coach Eric," shared Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas.
The 2019 Chooks-to-Go SM NBTC National Finals will begin with the seeding rounds on March 18 and will continue until the 24th for the National Championship.
All games will be streamed live on ESPN5.com while the semis and the finals matches, alongside the All-Star Game on March 23, will be aired on 5 Plus.
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